iM 4,1-14,4 USB 3.0 for iMac mid 2011

[Ausdauersportler]

Well, this is for a 2011 and not 2010, so my comment is still applicable.


This one won't work in a 2011, as the available height is insufficient.

The clearance is about 7mm - at least I manage to fit an adapter card and a BCM943602CDP of this height behind the internal LCD. You need only to place the relatively flat Mini PCIE riser including the USB type connector cable behind the LCD. That could fit...?

 

[KennyW]

This one won't work in a 2011, as the available height is insufficient.

If it is due to the height of the SATA adapter pointing up, for which there is no need to connect to SATA Power actually, you may consider the shorter one, just the height of a USB socket:

https://aliexpress.ru/item/4000411607217.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.189b3db4uEWkWU&algo_pvid=cff07349-6328-4b3b-87f4-6be3b1e1d43a&algo_expid=cff07349-6328-4b3b-87f4-6be3b1e1d43a-1&btsid=0b8b034c16129541212133560ea430&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

 

[USB3foriMac]

If it is due to the height of the SATA adapter pointing up, for which there is no need to connect to SATA Power actually, you may consider the shorter one, just the height of a USB socket:

https://aliexpress.ru/item/4000411607217.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.189b3db4uEWkWU&algo_pvid=cff07349-6328-4b3b-87f4-6be3b1e1d43a&algo_expid=cff07349-6328-4b3b-87f4-6be3b1e1d43a-1&btsid=0b8b034c16129541212133560ea430&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

Even without SATA, the first one is too tall.
The one with the flat USB connector might fit. Thanks for the link, maybe someone will try and confirm.

 

[johnrak]

I don't think this method is more expensive than a thunderbolt. It will cost less than $50 from Aliexpress.
If it doesn't require power, the SATA slot could be removed. I will buy that and the USB 3.0 card for start to see if it's working and then I will get the "1X to 2 x 4X PCI-E" and all the extensions required. My iMac is 21.5" and there is not much space. I have replaced the HDD with an SSD and I'll try to build a custom bracket to gain more space there. I will remove the ODD but I don't want to fit everything below the GPU heatsink because it would block the airflow.
The miniPCIe card height doesn't interfere with anything. This is my iMac now.

 

[KennyW]

I don't think this method is more expensive than a thunderbolt. It will cost less than $50 from Aliexpress.
If it doesn't require power, the SATA slot could be removed. I will buy that and the USB 3.0 card for start to see if it's working and then I will get the "1X to 2 x 4X PCI-E" and all the extensions required. My iMac is 21.5" and there is not much space. I have replaced the HDD with an SSD and I'll try to build a custom bracket to gain more space there. I will remove the ODD but I don't want to fit everything below the GPU heatsink because it would block the airflow.
The miniPCIe card height doesn't interfere with anything. This is my iMac now.
View attachment 1727995

The SSD you placed in ODD space can be relocated to the HDD space, which can hold two SSDs together.
In this way you have more room to place the PCIe riser in the ODD space together with the USB PCIe card.

 

[USB3foriMac]

The miniPCIe card height doesn't interfere with anything

It does. You will notice when you mount back the screen.

 

[Corvinon]

Hello.
Could it be, with this method, add a second gpu?
Thanks

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Hello.
Could it be, with this method, add a second gpu?
Thanks View attachment 1737666

Check the first link in my signature if you really want to change the GPU in your iMac 2011. Why would you need a second GPU?

 

[Corvinon]

I have read your link days ago, my imac 27 is core2duo and I think I have read that a minimum i3 is needed to modify the firmware of the PC mxm.
So this came to mind.
My mxm is breaking down.Thanks

 

[KennyW]

I have read your link days ago, my imac 27 is core2duo and I think I have read that a minimum i3 is needed to modify the firmware of the PC mxm.
So this came to mind.
My mxm is breaking down.Thanks

I don't think it worths the effort and money.
Better save the cost of the i3 CPU, the GPU, the PCI slot riser, and especially the anticipated difficulty and time in modding to hold all the components, required in your iMac 2009 (presumably) for an M1 MacMini.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

I have read your link days ago, my imac 27 is core2duo and I think I have read that a minimum i3 is needed to modify the firmware of the PC mxm.
So this came to mind.
My mxm is breaking down.Thanks

If the machine is still functioning, you can use it in Target Display Mode. This is the most efficient way (cost several $ for the proper DisplayPort to miniDisplayPort cable)
If the logicboard is dead, throw in a proper LCD driver board (75$) and convert it to a nice 27" 2K monitor. More value that way.

 

[swapdisk]

I'm trying to add USB 3.0 to mi 21" mid 2011 iMac.

Just a question: Removing wifi card, is bluetooth being removed too? In some laptops the wifi and bluetooth card are the same. I need to know it because of the keyboard and mouse connectivity.

Thanks!

 

[passatgt]

I'm trying to add USB 3.0 to mi 21" mid 2011 iMac.

Just a question: Removing wifi card, is bluetooth being removed too? In some laptops the wifi and bluetooth card are the same. I need to know it because of the keyboard and mouse connectivity.

Thanks!

no, it has a separate bluetooth module

 

[swapdisk]

no, it has a separate bluetooth module

Thanks!, i'll try then. I must use a VM and i really need a fast usb connection for external SDDs.

If this really works, then the other problem is the Radeon HD6750M that keeps me off from upgrading High Sierra to a newer unsupported version. I am afraid that this is a problem that I'll not be able to fix. I would like to update Office but it won't update without updating OS. :S

 

[KennyW]

Thanks!, i'll try then. I must use a VM and i really need a fast usb connection for external SDDs.

If this really works, then the other problem is the Radeon HD6750M that keeps me off from upgrading High Sierra to a newer unsupported version. I am afraid that this is a problem that I'll not be able to fix. I would like to update Office but it won't update without updating OS. :S

You may check into my USB 3 modification for iMac 2010 which is very similar to applicable to iMac 2011.

USB 3 + Wifi ac + BT4.2 for iMac 27" mid 2010

There has been a thread on USB 3 for iMac 2009 and one on USB 3 for iMac 2011. The miniPCIe slot for wifi/BT is utilised to provide USB 3 connection at the expense of wifi and BT, which have to be changed to external dongles. Thus, I explore a similar idea from those threads to install USB 3 in...

forums.macrumors.com

But honestly, for iMac 2011, you can just use a Thunderbolt to USB3 adapter to avoid all the hassles.

 

[swapdisk]

Thanks, nice mod, I will check it.

About thunderbolt, I have an external monitor adapter using it and 21" has only one thunderbolt port.

 

[Juicy Box]

About thunderbolt, I have an external monitor adapter using it and 21" has only one thunderbolt port.

Most TB docks have a second TB port for daisy chaining.

If you were open to external solutions, you could just get a TB dock with USB3 on it. I have a few of them.

 

[swapdisk]

Most TB docks have a second TB port for daisy chaining.

If you were open to external solutions, you could just get a TB dock with USB3 on it. I have a few of them.

Sure, I'd prefer an external solution. I only need to keep my second display and ONE Usb 3.0.

But I haven't found any of those TB docks for my imac. I've found some for USB-C but not the older ones.

Could you tell me where I can find one?

 

[Juicy Box]

Could you tell me where I can find one?

Looking on eBay will help. I have found some really good deals on TB docks there.

I've found some for USB-C but not the older ones.

You can use TB3 docks with your iMac with Apple's bidirectional adapter. You can find these new all over, and of course used as well.

But I haven't found any of those TB docks for my imac.

There are plenty of TB1 and TB2 ones as well, although hard to find these new.

Here is one for example:

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 2 eSATA 6G, 4K, USB 3.0, HDMI and Ethernet Ports (TS2-US-6010)

The Cal Digit Thunderbolt Station 2 is the successor to the original Thunderbolt Station that brought a new level of connectivity to modern streamlined computers via a single Thunderbolt cable. The Thunderbolt Station 2's design combines the original Thunderbolt Station's outstanding functionalit...

www.amazon.com

I have this one here, got it eBay for $45 a few years ago:

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station - Thunderbolt Interface Expansion Device with 1.0m Thunderbolt Cable (Thunderbolt 2 Compatible) (CTS-US-6010)

The Cal Digit Thunderbolt Station adds USB 3.0, Audio In and Out, HDMI, and Ethernet connectivity to your computer via dual Thunderbolt ports. Housed in a high strength aluminum body, the Cal Digit Thunderbolt Station's rugged construction and portable form factor make it an excellent solution fo...

www.amazon.com

 

[swapdisk]

Looking on eBay will help. I have found some really good deals on TB docks there.


You can use TB3 docks with your iMac with Apple's bidirectional adapter. You can find these new all over, and of course used as well.


There are plenty of TB1 and TB2 ones as well, although hard to find these new.

Here is one for example:

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 2 eSATA 6G, 4K, USB 3.0, HDMI and Ethernet Ports (TS2-US-6010)

The Cal Digit Thunderbolt Station 2 is the successor to the original Thunderbolt Station that brought a new level of connectivity to modern streamlined computers via a single Thunderbolt cable. The Thunderbolt Station 2's design combines the original Thunderbolt Station's outstanding functionalit...

www.amazon.com

I have this one here, got it eBay for $45 a few years ago:

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station - Thunderbolt Interface Expansion Device with 1.0m Thunderbolt Cable (Thunderbolt 2 Compatible) (CTS-US-6010)

The Cal Digit Thunderbolt Station adds USB 3.0, Audio In and Out, HDMI, and Ethernet connectivity to your computer via dual Thunderbolt ports. Housed in a high strength aluminum body, the Cal Digit Thunderbolt Station's rugged construction and portable form factor make it an excellent solution fo...

www.amazon.com

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.

Apple's bidirectional adapter cable does not allow a display to be connected, it is for data only. So if I connect a usb-c / thunderbolt 3 dock I will lose the screen connection even though the dock has a minidisplay port.

As for the docks, I keep looking. I have only found some new ones with a very high price (more than € 250) and some used around € 70 that I am trying to confirm if they adapt to my needs, I am working on it.

Obviously, I'd rather pay a little more for an external solution than start drilling the iMac case, but not if the external solution costs me more than the second-hand iMac cost.

I keep looking to see if I can find one like the one you indicate, thank you very much.

 

[Juicy Box]

Apple's bidirectional adapter cable does not allow a display to be connected, it is for data only.

I could be wrong, but I think this is for when connecting a Mini Display port connector of a monitor directly to the bidirectional adapter.

If anything, just get a TB3 dock with separate display port on it like this one here:

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station3 Lite (500778) | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CalDigit Thunderbolt Station3 Lite (500778) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

That would be a relatively cheap and easy external solution to what you are looking for.

So if I connect a usb-c / thunderbolt 3 dock I will lose the screen connection even though the dock has a minidisplay port.

I use the display port connector on my TB3 dock connected via the bidirectional adapter to my TB1 Mac.

I keep looking to see if I can find one like the one you indicate, thank you very much.

The one I posted above is pretty cheap, imo. Of course you would need a bidirectional adapter as well. I have gotten them used on eBay, one as $28, the other was $35.

 

[swapdisk]

This one should do the work, isn't?

Thunderbolt 2 Express Dock HD - Dual 4K, 10 Gbps | Belkin | Belkin PH

With speeds of 10 Gbps, the Thunderbolt 2 Express Dock HD can transfer 4x faster than USB 3.0 with just one cable. Supports dual 4k displays. Shop now.

www.belkin.com

My doubt is because it is TB2 doc, not 1.

The one you sent the link is perfect... but they don't send to Spain. Also the bidireccional cable is hard to find here, 45 € brand new in Amazon.

 

[johnrak]

I got all the components I read from the previous posts but I couldn’t try it.
You were right about the space between the logic board and the lcd, so it cannot be done on a 21.5 mid 11 model.

I will probably list the parts on ebay. If anyone wants to buy them all together ask me for the price. These are the parts I have:
Mini PCIE to PCIE X4

PCIE Riser X1 to Dual X4

PCI-e to USB 3.1 (ASMedia ASM1042A+GL35XX)

MiniPCI-E To PCI-E

2x pcie extension

slimsata to sata (I cut this to get power from the ODD cable and connect this with the sata power splitter which is also cut)

sata power splitter

 

[Ausdauersportler]

Have you guys checked these two recent posts on the MacPro tread?

Using OpenCore one could add the three EFI drivers to the config and get USB3 booting with FL1100 based cards or thunderbolt hubs. You need to add the drivers to the Drivers folder and enhance the config.plist right after or before the OpenCanopy entry.

                        <dict>
                                <key>Arguments</key>
                                <string></string>
                                <key>Comment</key>
                                <string></string>
                                <key>Enabled</key>
                                <true/>
                                <key>Path</key>
                                <string>UsbBusDxe.efi</string>
                        </dict>
                        <dict>
                                <key>Arguments</key>
                                <string></string>
                                <key>Comment</key>
                                <string></string>
                                <key>Enabled</key>
                                <true/>
                                <key>Path</key>
                                <string>UsbMassStorageDxe.efi</string>
                        </dict>
                        <dict>
                                <key>Arguments</key>
                                <string></string>
                                <key>Comment</key>
                                <string></string>
                                <key>Enabled</key>
                                <true/>
                                <key>Path</key>
                                <string>XhciDxe.efi</string>
                        </dict>

EDIT:
The UsbMassStorageDxe.efi is not needed according to my own tests and and another one made by @Macschrauber on the MacPro5,1 thread.

 

[Dayo]

Has anyone tried using GenericUSBXHCI.kext from RehabMan for USB3 instead of the multiple drivers?

RehabMan / OS-X-Generic-USB3 / Downloads — Bitbucket

bitbucket.org

It is supposed to support FL1100 based cards. Quite old now though and maybe doesn't work on newer Mac OS but maybe worth a shot.

On the drivers, has anyone tested whether all three are actually needed since XhciDxe.efi is what is supposed to be doing the job. Could also be that having another one call on it activates it ... in which case maybe only two (XhciDxe.efi plus another) will be enough.